A Nigerian who became world famous a few years ago when an Islamic court forced him to divorce 82 of his 86 wives died on Saturday at the age of 93, a spokesman for his extended family said.
"Baba refused to take medication. That's how he lived. His family is intact. "His 86 wives were by his side when he died," said Salahu Bello.
Muhammad Belo Masaba, as his full name was, was imprisoned for refusing to expel his wives. His 86 wives and 20 of his 170 children even protested outside the Mina city court to express their support.
Eventually, the case was dropped.
In 2008, an Islamic court overseeing the implementation of sharia, Islamic law in 12 Nigerian states, arrested him on charges of serial breach of religious law and illegal association with 86 spouses. He even ordered him then to keep only 4 wives, as defined by Islam. But "Dad" refused, claiming that he did not violate any religious principles.
Source: RES-EAP